Global civil society alliance CIVICUS has joined local groups in urging the Fijian government to reform the Online Safety Act 2018, highlighting concerns that the law’s current provisions may compromise free expression and democratic debate. This call for reform follows a renewed push from Dialogue Fiji for urgent amendments, particularly focused on Section 24 of the Act, which criminalizes “causing harm by electronic communication.”
Critics argue that this section has increasingly been used to censor individuals over political comments, satire, and their social media postings. CIVICUS, which represents a worldwide network advocating for civil liberties, shares these concerns, emphasizing that overly broad or vague laws can unintentionally silence crucial voices needed for healthy democratic participation.
“The Online Safety Act in Fiji must prioritize the protection of citizens from real online harm, rather than serve as a means to suppress critical or dissenting opinions,” CIVICUS stated. The debate comes at a time when Fiji is considering new online content regulations that aim to tackle issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and online abuse. The Fijian government has indicated that it is preparing amendments to the Online Safety Act and additional regulations for social media platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube.
While officials claim that the intent is to foster safer online environments, rights advocates and legal experts warn that overly broad legislation could jeopardize constitutional freedoms. Both CIVICUS and Dialogue Fiji are advocating for lawmakers to construct measures that reinforce the right to free expression in the digital space as Fiji takes steps towards reviewing its online safety framework.
This movement towards reevaluating the Online Safety Act represents an important opportunity for Fiji to balance the need for protection against online harms with the fundamental rights of free expression. The discussions about appropriate reforms echo broader sentiments regarding the importance of maintaining robust frameworks to ensure that online spaces remain inclusive and reflective of democratic ideals. There is hope that ongoing reform efforts will lead to a more equitable digital landscape where citizen voices can thrive without the fear of undue censorship.
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